Martha’s expertise in adult second language and literacy opened her eyes to the paucity of short books for adults like those young children read by themselves. She asked her Newcastle University colleague and creative writer Margaret “What’s the adult equivalent of Where the Wild Things Are? Can we work with creative writers to produce books for pleasure reading by adults with emerging literacy?” They regularly hold the writers’ workshops and one-to-one consultations that result in the Simply Stories books.

Margaret (Manya) Wilkinson is a prose and script writer whose work ranges from BBC radio plays to her most recent and widely acclaimed novel, ‘Lublin.’ She contributes regularly to the writing magazine, Mslexia, with articles and guides to writing drama and prose fiction. Like Martha she’s been a staff/faculty member in the Newcastle University School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics. She continues to teach and to mentor creative writers. 

Bailey is a graphic designer based in Newcastle upon Tyne. She earned her MA degree in Language and Linguistics from Newcastle University, where she first got involved with Simply Stories. With practical experience in the design and print industries, she helps us primarily with the creation of books and the communication with artists. Her favourite part of Simply Stories is the magical moment when text meets artwork, resulting in a brand new book for readers to enjoy.

Rachael is a recent graduate of Newcastle University who currently works in the academic publishing industry. Rachael joined the Simply Stories team in 2024 whilst completing her MLitt in English Literature at Newcastle, having previously held a variety of editorial and marketing roles during her studies. Her passion for accessibility and inclusivity within literature first ignited her interest in Simply Stories’ mission. Rachael works on updating our website and contributing to the production and marketing of our books.

Writer, editor, and translator with a passion for children’s books. Rehab translated some of Mr Men and Little Miss titles into Arabic, like Mr Tickle and Little Miss Sunshine. Her recent translations include All About Diversity, and All About Worries and Fears (Dar El Shorouk, 2022). Moreover, she edited a 10-book series titled “Our Folktales” (Makouk, 2021). Rehab lives in Newcastle, where she teaches Arabic for children in her Kalamna Arabic School. She collaborated and edited a 10-book series of Kalamna levelled readers to help children read Arabic. Rehab is a veteran blogger, and her short story collection titled “Rice Pudding for Two” was published by Dar El Shorouk (2008).

Saloni Chotai, with degrees from her native India and Newcastle University, brings her passion for making art and storytelling more inclusive to Simply Stories. Her experience in coordinating artists’ workshops, editing, book layout and production have made her a valuable asset on the Simply Stories team. 

Emily Hawkins is a creative writing and children’s literature specialist, having earned undergraduate and graduate degrees at Newcastle University, UK. In her work with children, she has been involved in promoting reading among young readers including those with special educational needs. She’s a whizz at finding applications of her knowledge to adults with limited literacy.

Oswaldo Monroy deploys his studies at Edmonds (Washington, near Seattle) in graphic design and marketing for Simply Stories’ vast Spanish-speaking readership. He loves to graphically organize visual information to attract the viewer, be it a workshop participant or a Simply Stories reader who appreciates his layout.  

Parinda’s BA in International Business Law from Thammasat University in her native Thailand and her business studies in Seattle has given her expertise in working with small businesses like Simply Stories. She’s a whiz at content creation for cosmetics, skincare and accessories and we’re thrilled that she’s turned her passion for creating fresh and innovative ideas on social media to make an important contribution to Simply Stories. 

David Butler set up and runs the LifeWorkArt (LWA) professional development programme in Newcastle University’s Fine Art Department. LWA supports students setting up live projects outside the university either independently or working with artists and arts organisations. Simply Stories provides a great opportunity for students to work with writers and be involved in a project of value to a wide range of people. David has researched strategies for artists’ development since the 1980s including their impact on students and graduates